The 33rd Citizens’ Academy graduation will take place tonight, June 10, 6:30 p.m., at the Public Safety Building, 700 East Joppa Road 21286.

Police Chief James Johnson will present certificates to the 26 graduates who completed the 15-week program. During that time, participants learned about the various units and the many aspects of law enforcement. Officers from specialized units such as K-9, Marine, Aviation and Tactical Operations spoke to the participants and described their duties.

The citizen students learned about the precincts, narcotics identification and investigation. They sat in on lectures that covered media relations, criminal investigations, as well as residential and Homeland security. They went to the firing range, where they learned about the use of force and the department’s policy on the use of firearms.

The purpose of the Citizens’ Academy is to foster greater communication and relationships between the Department, the community, and businesses, as well as to promote a better understanding of law enforcement.